Not Just A Nanny: The Genius Returns

ton's chest, her fingers brushing the crisp cotton of his shirt. He didn't look at her. He was busy scrolling through emai

ffs to fasten the links.

t was blonde. And it was definitely not hers. Althea's hair was a dark, chestnut brown, currently pulled back i

quiet of the massive walk-in closet. She went

zz

jerked his arm away before s

s eyes sweeping over her beige dress with a look of mild disappointment. "Try n

g at nothing. The closet felt suddenly airless, smelling of cedar and his expensive

sted her own pearl earrings, the ones Eleanor, her mother-in-law, had gi

he grand staircase.

phone. Althea looked out the window, watching the New York skyline bl

he car door opened. Easton stepped out first, buttoning his jacket, the picture of the

ent. She moved to stand beside him, practicing the

r place, a figure in shimmer

like champagne bubbles-bright, intox

midnight blue accents on her gold gown were unmistakable. She looked l

formation that physically hurt Althea to witness.

er arm through his. She glanced back at Althea, her smile tight an

ld. "Mr. Harrington! Ms.

ghtly, catching her balance on a velvet rope. No one noticed. Easton and Georgina were a

owed three

and money. Althea found a table in the corner, far away from the

ng in Easton's ear. She watched him throw his head back and laugh

om

ough the crowd. He was sweating, his expensive little tuxedo rumpled. He was

cking in. She reached into her clutch for a handkerchief.

out to dab h

he had burned him. He

ed to dip, or maybe it was just Althea's hearing failing.

tables turned to look

r hand slowly. "Holt, that's

ther. "Ugh, stop it," he said, his voice loud and petulant

rld st

nd, the laughter-it all vanished into a

the n

anger at his son for disrespecting his mother. No. He looked annoyed that Althea was caus

th with her hand, feigning shock, bu

ard Georgina, holding up his toy for her approval. Georgina ben

a loud crack. It was the quiet sound of a t

n't look at Easton. S

nd walked to

the crowd, tinged with warning. "Whe

doors and out into the cool night air. The fountain in the

d at the diamond ring on her left hand. The Harrin

r finger felt naked

th a quiet plop and sank to the bottom, settling among the pe

r fingers dialed a number sh

g once

ep, familiar

t," she said, her voice trembling but